2017 Lexus IS300h Review - Better Than The Germans? - Car Keys

The 2017 Lexus IS300h aims to be a unique electrified rival to the likes of more common German saloons like the 3 Series, A4 and C-Class. Powered by a 220bhp hybrid electric system, able to return up to 67.3mpg and with 450 litres of boot space.
Conventional isn’t a word that’s part of the IS’ vocabulary, and so while most executive cars of its type are diesels, the IS has no diesel option at all. However, its hybrid system makes it a godsend for business drivers and it’s a decision that’s starting to look inspired now that the future of diesel’s increasingly in doubt.
It’s a nice car to look at as well, particularly this newly-facelifted version with its big wheels, sleek lines and giant origami-style front grille. Each car in its class has its own unique appeal, and the Lexus’ is that it’s almost insolently different. Different enough to beat Zee Germanz?
✂️💷 | Save money on a new Lexus IS: www.carkeys.co.uk/lexus/is/sa...
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[@samsonokoro5036]

I don't quite get what u mean by Lexus is usually around the top when it comes to reliability/quality. It's not around the top, it's at the peak and only Toyota cars the lesser brother rivals it. Lexus is the most reliable brand bar none, Japanese engineering is unrivalled in my opinion when it comes to quality and durability.

[@asianskywalker]

Correct. I drive a 5 series. 50k miles on it and already getting axle problems.

[@Toyota4Life]

Samson Okoro I agree but reviewers will never admit that. They are Quick to say what the Germans are better at but they are never quick to say what Lexus does better than the Germans

[@nurbsenvi]

Porsche is up there too

[@kubanskiloewe]

Porsche ?? NEVER ! my RX450h is now 10 year sold with much over 200000 on it and its such a reliable workhorse @@nurbsenvi

[@biggerbitcoin5126]

My Lexus is coming up to 20 years old no problems whatsoever could never say that about a German car.

[@sizzler2462]

Picked up a RS 300h yesterday for my wife and we love it looks fantastic lovely smooth drive and got over 50 mpg on a mixture of motorway and stop/start urban driving

[@tectorama]

The is300h is an excellent car. It's a shame that I have yet to see a car reviewer who likes the CVT gearbox. They are fantastic. I get a regulat 55mpg, with £10 a year road tax. On top of that, there is Japanese built reliability. Which to me means more that the badge on the front.

[@bighands69]

CVT is not completely terrible but it does whine when you open the car up.

[@tectorama]

Not in my experience.

[@shane6115]

@@tectorama they are a great gearbox Ecvt, they are really not a cvt at all lads, and they do whine when you open them up, I’m a Lexus is300h owner.

[@showt1me133]

Well they are terrible driving experience wise, although they boost fuel economy and reliability

[@tectorama]

With a Japanes built car you are buying reliability and build quality. With German cars, you are paying a premium for the badge. Nothing wrong with a CVT, you just have to take the time to learn how to drive them.

[@RationalCreed]

The CVT in a Lexus/Toyota hybrid is not a standard CVT its an eCVT - completely planetary. No belts...though the feel may be similar

[@tectorama]

To all intents and purposes it still drives like a CVT.

[@MrWalker1000]

you're paying for better design and driving dynamics with german cars.

[@seemslegit6203]

@@RationalCreed it also has a standard 1st gear to reduce wear, doesn't it?

[@cyb3rrazorcut]

I love the interior, Lexus are knocking it out of the park recently. Luxurious inside and striking but classy outside.

[@MrTipperX]

Lexus is quality.

[@CarsofGlasgow]

they really are, my whole family own one haha

[@m4n4mk1]

This review is rubbish. I own a IS300h F-Sport, have had it for nearly 1 year. I love how it handles around corners, its agile and smooth over UK bumpy/pot hole roads. I have driven my brothers BMW 6 series and my uncles 5 series, and i noticed the ride was harsher on the bumpy roads. I was disappointed with the BMW's. And from the stories told to me about servicing these BMW, generally bad service at astronomically costly prices. :D My next car will be another LEXUS. Luxury and comfort is what its about in this market sector. If you require performance buy a RC-F, IS-F, GS-F all V8 Japanese engines.

[@mdo]

BMW always had a harsher ride and steering. It's the price you pay for good handling. I had a 5 series and i just couldn't keep it as it was too noisy and uncomfortable for me. Switched to a Saab 9-5 and that was in a different league in terms of comfort. It was boaty but hush and refined.

[@seemslegit6203]

Also driven BMWs and now own an IS and i can pretty much confirm this. IS has a good balance of comfort and sport whereas the BMWs are mostly just harsh

[@johnthesifu]

The lexus is just better on uk roads where there are potholes , speed bumps and sinkholes everywhere. The uk roads are absolutely atrocious.

[@flightlinevr6302]

Own a 2014 300h in Germany. I lke the comfort of the eCVT, getting 6 l/100km with 140km/h on the Autobahn in the City 5.5 l/100km. All my friends drive BMW, Audi and VW Diesel Cars, because Diesel fuel is subsidiesed by our government and diesel cars have smaller direct operating cost. But they all got problems with injection systems and exhaust cleaning system.

[@tectorama]

We've had our IS300h for a couple of years now. We don't use it for shopping trips and get about 52mpg. In Sports mode it accelerates pretty quickly. It's also been very reliable (touch wood). I owned a couple of Audi 80s many many years ago, and had a VW Caddy van. I wouldn't go back to buying another German car.

[@riccccccardo]

Yep I own a money pit Audi A4 b7

[@mikavesalainen3078]

US galloon or UK galloon? How much is that 52mpg as litre/100?

[@tectorama]

UK Gallon... It's about 4.5 litres to a gallon

[@mikavesalainen3078]

@@tectorama so it's about 5.43 L/ 100km Thanks for the info (it has been quite difficult to find how much is the real fuel consunption with is300h. I have Volvo V70 D3 (diesel) automat (2011) and the real consumption is 6,5-8 L/100km at winter now and using webasto almost daily. I've been wondering to get eather is300h or prius 2016, guess with one I'd like to have? 😂 Here in Finland yesterday bensin and diesel were at the same price (before diesel was cheaper) and the price is about 2,20€/litre now and I think they're expecting it can even rise to 3€/litre. Awful! And still I pay taxes every year for thos volvo over 700€ and for prius and is300h it'd be 100€ or less. With my about 25 000 km per year I think with this fuel prices now (and with calculating the tax and insurances) lexus is300h would save me about 1400€/year (minus how much the car's value will lost in the time) and prius would be propably over 2000€ (I countes the average consumpion to be 4,5 litres/100km in prius and is300h 5,5 litres and in volvo 6,7). The prius would be the economical choise even after counting the value loss. The is300h would be my choise from feeling (once tried the 2014 f-sport model, but I'd propably go for Comfort or Excecutive models because of little bit smaller wheels - better fuel economy). I really loved that car (even quieter than my volvo, very nice to drive, enough power in sector 80-120km/h (the most useful in finnish traffic - why do people always look for the acceleration from 0-100km/h and not the acceleration on speeds where you have to pass someone...) One more thing I like toyota's (and lexus's) hybrids is that the warm up so quickly). Couple of months ago I tried my father's auris hsd (2011) and was suprised how quick the interior warmed up in -15 degrees of Celcius without pre-warming. So after all I think I should stay with my volvo (even though I'd like to have is300h), because actually there is not much economical difference (lexus's price will get lower quicker than my volvo's at the moment, because if is300h as a new in Finland is from 45k€ to plus 60k€ and the cheapest used is about 19k€ (2013/ mileage 230 000km), my volvo's price is somewhere 8000€ (350 000 km now)

[@shane6115]

@@mikavesalainen3078. No more Russian oil for your country now or gas, so everything will get more expensive..

[@hulkcanada]

nice review, guys! I wonder if Lexus would make a plug-in version of the IS. Probably not (at least in current generation) as there isn't much room for larger battery pack..

[@comments7335]

The most unreliable Lexus is still more reliable than the most reliable European car. If that makes any sense.

[@val7957]

You’re so racist

[@mikes6853]

Totally bro👍🏽🤣😂

[@lucisleesion8824]

@@val7957 He is just telling the truth, you are a racist

[@sdm-li6me]

@@val7957 what

[@RA-tc8tr]

Absolutely

[@golaoi]

I've the 2016 model. It's 40-70 speed is half that of 3 series. I think the CVT is brilliant

[@golaoi]

its

[@blitzchaserjzx100]

Yeah the cvt is so smooth

[@AndyGrouch]

Yeah it feels sluggish from standstill but if you floor it in speed, it's surprisingly fast.

[@kubanskiloewe]

after 20 years of our german brand AUDI i switched to LExus with a 450h and i never looked back !! But they did a mistake with the small 4cyl because its to small for idotic 250km/h Autobahn racing all the time ...lol so the V6Hybrid was the way to go and its great !!!

[@itekani]

When looking at the interior space it would help to know how tall the reviewer is.

[@miele939]

I would hardly call a 8 . something 0-60 as "leisurely"

[@issiewizzie]

i have the 2014 version and i'm happy with it ... if i need more power i just chuck it sports mode

[@Cench_fan123]

Any major repairs so far?

[@najudd6497]

martyna adamusik i have the F sport with 120k miles and no problems at all. 3 years of owning this car it still drives perfect.

[@Carebears95]

Do you still have it?

[@Fidiasz83]

I got my lexus is 250 for the past 6 years now the car is 110000 miles and nearly 16 years old and noone belive is that old they all think is 2015 plate not 55 reg haha because paint looks still like new its unbelivabke no signs of rust and never had any problems with it just changing oil but it drink oil i have to top up every 2 months because its petrol engine v6 likes to drink oil .amazing cars .in america they mostly buy lexus not german junks

[@TonyDelMonte]

@@Fidiasz83 what? You have to top up oil every two months? That sounds like something is not right. My 2008 IS250 doesn't need any top ups at all. Just once a year oil change.

[@petertaylor6402]

Great review. No mention of reliability? Its almost as if Europeans and brits dont care whereas its normally the first priority everywhere else! Oh well, im subscribed, great channel and not biased towards diesel like most uk car journalists, you seem like a bunch of legit "car guys" - keep it up

[@danielwutfisho]

Because british people think that german car reliability is the standard for every other car brands. BMWs, Audi's, all of them are built so they don't last a long time. The newer models are the same. The germans just don't care about reliability like the japanese.

[@tectorama]

The majority of car reviewers just don't lke hybrids. All new cars have the same bells and whistles these days, so no need to mention them on every car. You'll have no problems getting 50mpg, with £10 a year road tax. With the added attraction that it's not built in Germany.

[@tectorama]

Why on earth do petrol head reviewers always feel the need to compare every new car with German made cars ? I have also yet to hear one say that they like CVT gearboxes. (which are brilliant)

[@gbjwal1]

200+ horsepower is hardly small when most rivals are 150hp. 8.4 is decent too. Bizarre comments.

[@liamoflaherty2008]

Actually it's 8.0 seconds

[@josefkocag3135]

Liam O'Flaherty it has actually 181 hp for this hp is not slow its normal. System power is 223 hp

[@user-sw4go6vc5s]

8.4 seconds is lame for over 200 Bhp. My 520d is faster and much heavier and less BHP

[@riccccccardo]

@@josefkocag3135 correct. 👍🏾

[@riccccccardo]

@@user-sw4go6vc5s correct that’s why I’d have to get a 3 litre Lexus.

[@seemslegit6203]

Wow this is a bad review🤣 I have a 2019 Fsport and, in sport mode, it has both plenty of power and handles extremely well. Most reviewers don't bother to mention the FANTASTIC launch performance of these hybrid cars provided by the instant torque from the electric motor. The takumi version with the adjustable suspension is allegedly not as sporty even in sport mode whereas the regular sports suspension is comfortable enough but also performs very well for dynamic driving. This is a review by someone who's driven the car for 5 minutes and hasn't done their homework.

[@MisterHallo]

better than germans, YES much better than germans, germans were good in the past , now they suck, and it doesnt matter witch one, vw bmw mercedes audi

[@trabali5168]

could'nt of said it better my self, 100% agree!

[@malayaliobservant8915]

Merc is owned by Daimler Chrysler, which makes it more American than German

[@geoffevans2489]

Well i have never owned a German car my last was an x type but this is300h is by far the best car ever beutifull car hss it all

[@warmakern]

I have the 2017 version but it doesen't look like that interiorly xP

[@AlexVilla88]

Does anyone know how much it would cost to replace the hybrid battery?

[@zhqiu1597]

2300 in uk. but u can get hybrid battery warranty for 15 years

[@WeldElMathouia]

To be honest... If you buy such an expensive car you want it to be reliable... If you can have such a bunch of luxury, technology, economy and reliability and get also some prestige and respect than I have to say that the Lexus is way better than all the other German cars even if they might look also very good and are in some way sportier or faster... In the end if you have a Lexus you have a car for your lifetime so God will.

[@bighands69]

German manufacturers do not care about the second hand market. They only care about the brand new market. Hence why their cars are not as reliable when they get older. Most people in that segment change their car every 3 to 5 years.

[@yudhabagaskara98]

the only car in this segment without diesel engine

[@th3m3du54]

One could think that the Japanese understood a long time ago how bad diesels are for air quality and our health 🤔

[@martinmorissette7950]

Too bad the hybrid model is not available in Canada.

[@CarKeysUKOfficial]

Do you like the unique Lexus interior or do you prefer the more uniform German interiors?

[@MrTrull1]

Car Keys UK Lexus, by a mile.

[@NedNew]

Car Keys UK Lexus looks cheap and plasticy. Audi by a km.

[@Ambienfinity]

Definitely the Lexus.

[@szymon2525]

You do realise that there's more than just Germans to compare to right? When will people realise that the German cars are not what they used to be... Wise up already. Unless you just love repairing your cars... than carry on I guess.

[@neon-kitty2281]

Car Keys UK lexus no doubt. Sure both mercedes and bmw look fancy but they feel more sport oriented. Lexus imo have great build quality (even my old 2002 is200 felt luxurious compared to the cars from that time and didnt feel cheap either) and they are stupidly comfortable. Going to buy a IS as soon as i get a stable job again

[@micgent]

Well said Jack, this review is also misleading, the car does not "it wafts up the road under electric power , only kicking in the engine when needed" well kinda correct but gives the impression you can drive a fair distance under electric. Not true. This non plug in hybrid merely harvests regenerative energy, allowing electric only mode below approx 30mph and only for short distances. Also boosts performance when you floor it. Not that ive driven the rivals in its class but this car is so very refined with its CVT transmission and rear wheel drive, fast enough for me and handles very well.

[@wjm3018]

Wish we had lexus IS hybrid in north America

[@Elaba_]

German cars: getting towed from A to G (G from garage) Lexus: Duracell battery (keeps on going)

[@JanBanJoovi-ol1qv]

I dont know why most car reviews are saying the IS300h F Sport has a harsh ride owing to the sporty suspension. I’ve driven one and didn’t noticed a massive difference from the other variants when it comes to comfort. It’s not as smooth as the Lexus LS offcourse but it’s not sports car or racing car harsh just like what reviews are trying to say.

[@tectorama]

I have yet to see a car reviewer who likes the CVT transmission, or doesn't try to compare the Lexus to the German brands. People buy a Lexus for build quality and reliability, They don't worry about the badge on the front.

[@szymon2525]

Funny you should say that... I've got a Lexus precisely because of the badge and what it represents... And I'm very proud of it. To me a German car = old, uneducated driver stuck in the past or young person influenced by his elders who don't understand that the time of German car superiority is long gone... The eastern Europeans seem to like them a lot... But that's mainly because they can get them cheap from Germany after some German "forget's" (which is exclusively a German car owner disability btw) to INDICATE a turn crashing into a local goat herd after having few to many beers and wienerschnitzel during Octorberfest. It's just cheap to repair because there's so many of them...

[@comments7335]

In Asia,Lexus is just as Luxurious & looked up as a Mercedes Benz.

[@sakk1192]

I need to test this out the cvt gear box is 50/50 with reviews

[@CarKeysUKOfficial]

Hi Sakk, Ryan liked the cvt in the Lexus so it would definitely be worth testing out.

[@Spawn223311]

Is this car available in the us?

[@CarsofGlasgow]

Yeah it is

[@user-nf8jm5li1k]

Bring this model to the states, ​please. ):

[@jazzip2989]

Great car....

[@erik6554]

indicatores at wrong side of headlighs other than that a brilliant car

[@devanpatel3145]

Can you get a manual petrol IS?

[@neon-kitty2281]

Devan Patel nope, last manual IS were made 2012 (is250)

[@seemslegit6203]

You wouldn't want to anyways, the petrol-only IS is rather unpopular because its not that much faster than the hybrid and the fuel consumption is abysmal

[@paullovesey4863]

Test drove one today - absolutely leagues apart from the boring Germans.

[@MrWalker1000]

how so? i hear lexus are boring to drive type of cars.

[@budgie007hopkins]

8.4s 0-60mph is leisurely now ey..?

[@rayaanshaikh5830]

Doesn't matter when its in range acceleration can smoke 3.0l diesels

[@vapotrini]

More like a complete deal breaker.

[@nathant5819]

It's people like you who expect a hybrid to have out of the world acceleration speeds.

[@vapotrini]

Travis Thai, the competition does it in 6 seconds, that's an enormous difference.

[@nathant5819]

The point is, you're trying to make a more green car not a race car. If you wanted a better acceleration get the Petrol versions

[@BloodyMarverous]

Lazy review, not sure he even needed to drive the car or simply read out a template review. Consistently ranks towards the top of reliability? Have you even looked a reliability survey? When are they not the top?

[@stuey36]

Love the accent

[@PlatinumSan]

We got one of these, pretty comfortable to drive and very fuel efficient but the interior loves to rattle.

[@danielbadan4948]

What is the difference of "pretty good" and "not bad"?

[@Ceelview]

the same as between stupid-ish and smart-ish.

[@arrow007]

Is it better then a bmw 3 series

[@ahmadmohamad6384]

arrow007 interms of technology and speed no, in terms of reliability and every ease of use yes.

[@77funtomas]

@@ahmadmohamad6384 Don't you think reliability comes from advanced technology...!?

[@seemslegit6203]

@@ahmadmohamad6384 wdym by technology? My IS has PLENTY of it

[@shroomyesc]

What were they thinking with the headlights, is the car a confused predator sponsored by Nike?

[@nathant5819]

Just like the shape of ya eyebrows bud.

[@seemslegit6203]

They look fine? Although in this review, the car has a meh colour... also its the old version, the updated one especially in Fsport has a much nicer and darker trim to it

[@alexkid408]

Yes of course, much better (at least more reliable) than any german cars.

[@Paulo-ov4yo]

Lexus has the Germans licked for reliability and customer care. However I still think the Mercs and BMW have better perceived interior quality after owning a NX300H.

[@Toyota4Life]

F Sport model drivers better then the 3 series.

[@WM5000-ek9nk]

Yes better than Germans

[@77funtomas]

Name any german premium model in this class with this type of power train.............none? Thank you.

[@ast5515]

The entire exterior is fine including the grille, with the exception of the front headlights. There is a strip below them and they don't line up in any way. It's just butt ugly. It's a shame, because I really like the rest of it.

[@nadim2769]

2:53 boot closing fail

[@Vijay_Sekar]

But what makes this car unique from its rivals?

[@malayaliobservant8915]

Reliability

[@stevenwreyford4570]

You can own them beyond the warranty period without worrying about an engine or gearbox failure costing you up to 20K $ or £ !!! That's pretty unique

[@seemslegit6203]

Outstanding reliability, superior quality, hybrid drive & CVT gearbox, it's not german.

[@ayesurewhynot2898]

If only it wer diesel

[@TheLondonCyclist]

Japanese will always top German manufacturing.

[@paulsmith1981]

BMW has started to build cars in Mexico. Mexico and build quality don't really go together.

[@bighands69]

They are building them there for the US market. It means they can build them there with lower taxes.

[@FaBB10_FS24]

Why does this guy hate the germans?

[@loulou9878]

Better than the Germans....

[@user-hd9ds4dj2q]

HELLO~

[@lukasz9193]

first

[@NZsarge1]

I'm sure it's a great car to own and use in most circumstances and as such it'll appeal to a wide audience but I fall in the camp of disliking the interior design, I loath CVT transmissions and the face lift (?) has left me stunned by it ugliness (yes subjective I know) but I'm sure it's beautifully engineered but there's far too much in the negative column for me.

[@nathant5819]

NZsarge1 tbh I was the same but you start to adjust to the style and start to like the natural arming position of it. You should try it ;)

[@NZsarge1]

Travis Thai I'll pass thanks.

[@seemslegit6203]

The CVT hate is unwarranted, lexus built it right. Also this older version didn't look all that great, the newest facelift is miles ahead. Also, the interior looks far better in person and it grows on you really quickly, i didn't think I'd like it until i actually got the car

[@NZsarge1]

@@seemslegit6203 I stand by my comment

[@s-b6218]

Not enough power in these cars.

[@kungula]

Different does not mean it is better. I prefer the Audi A 4 or the C class Benz with no animal skin seats.

[@nathant5819]

I'm pretty sure brands like Mercedes use more of real skins than Lexus does and Lexus are far more economical.

[@seemslegit6203]

Oh I've experienced it, the BMW, Merc & Jaguar interiors have no right to call it leather.

[@jamiep61]

The Lexus IS300h Is a great alternative to Its German Rivals but If was me then I would choose the Audi A4

[@rodrigoangulo3617]

Great to look at??? Really??

[@CarKeysUKOfficial]

In our opinion, yeah!

[@thierrymarijnissen4368]

Your not great to look at either!

[@77funtomas]

@@thierrymarijnissen4368 The best comment in this section🤣

[@oddities-whatnot]

0-60 time irrelevant in real world driving. Why do car reviewers obsess about it and always compare the car they are testing against others they aren’t ? If I went into a car showroom and asked to test drive a car, if the salesman told me not to because it wasn’t as good as something else, I would walk out. Leave personal opinions out of it, thats for the customer to decide.

[@banpowel9784]

BMW pretender lol

[@seemslegit6203]

By your logic, every car is a BMW pretender